Bi-directional Medical Suturing Device with Thread Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical suturing devices face challenges in reliably suturing membranal tissues due to difficulties in managing suture threads, such as thread fallout and time-consuming knotting processes, especially during bi-directional suturing operations in trans-sphenoidal surgery.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional medical suturing device featuring a first needle for distal-to-proximal thread transfer and a second needle for proximal-to-distal transfer, along with thread control members that prevent thread fallout by moving between positions that allow or restrict needle movement, enabling efficient and reliable bi-directional suturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single needle is used for bi-directional suturing, then the device structure is simple, but the needle must be re-gripped and the gripping position changed each time the needle is reciprocated
Solution Approach 1:
The single needle is divided into two separate needles (first needle and second needle) with different tip orientations. The first needle has its tip directed toward the distal side for forward suturing, while the second needle has its tip directed toward the proximal side for backward suturing. This segmentation eliminates the need to re-grip or reposition a single needle during bi-directional reciprocation, as each needle is optimized for its specific direction of movement.
2Reliability
If thread control members are added to prevent thread fallout, then thread security is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thread control members are designed with movable holding portions that can dynamically transition between different positions. The holding portions can move between a first position where they prevent needle movement (securing the thread) and a second position where they allow needle movement (enabling suturing). This dynamic capability provides thread security during reciprocation while maintaining operational flexibility, without requiring overly complex fixed structures.
3Productivity
If multiple needles with different orientations are used, then bi-directional suturing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first needle and second needle are designed with asymmetric tip orientations relative to the device axis. The first needle's tip is directed toward the distal side (forward direction), while the second needle's tip is directed toward the proximal side (backward direction). This asymmetric configuration allows each needle to efficiently perform suturing in its designated direction without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving overall bi-directional suturing efficiency while keeping the device structure manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional medical suturing device includes a first needle; a second needle being disposed distal to the first needle; a first thread control member including a first holding portion being movable between a position where the first holding portion prevents a movement of the first needle and a position where the first holding portion does not prevent the movement of the first needle; and a second thread control member including a second holding portion being located the first holding portion, the second holding portion being movable between a position where the second holding portion prevents a movement of the second needle and a position where the second holding portion does not prevent the movement of the second needle.